Anne Kirkbride

Anne Kirkbride (born June 21, 1954) is a British soap opera actress. She was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England.

She was noticed by casting directors for the British soap opera Coronation Street while she did an ITV special series called Another Sunday and Sweet FA. She was offered to play the bit part of Deirdre Hunt in November 1972. After a few appearances, the character's popularity grew. After more appearances in 1973, Kirkbride signed a contract with the serial in 1974. Since then, Deirdre has become synonymous with a scratchy voice (caused by real-life chain-smoking) and very big eyeglasses.

In 1993, Kirkbride was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Since then, she has come clean to the British press about her bout with depression following the diagnosis. Today, she is now cancer-free.